We’re coming together with members of the domestic violence advocacy community to host a series of in-person and virtual presentations to share invaluable digital safety resources for domestic violence survivors. The presentations will cover important digital safety information related to wireless accounts, devices, apps, hardware and software for survivors and those who serve them.
We held our first event as part of these efforts at the end of last year at the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center (EBCC) in Warwick, Rhode Island.
- At the event, members of the EBCC, public safety and local and regional domestic violence advocates exchanged valuable perspectives on the intricacies of the digital landscape.
On February 27th, the effort launched in Massachusetts at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, in collaboration with Mass General Brigham’s’ Passageway and HAVEN programs, Jane Doe, Inc. and others. The event was attended by the Commissioner of the MA Department of Public Health and other leaders in the advocacy community, who spoke to the importance of digital safety for domestic violence survivors. These events were only the start, marking the beginning of what will be a series of efforts working with groups across the region.
If you or your organization would like to learn more about hosting a presentation, please contact Edmund Donnelly at [email protected].
Digital Safety Resources
- Domestic Violence Community Resources
- Digital Safety from Domestic Violence
- Understanding the Safe Connections Act
Testimonials about the domestic violence digital safety efforts
Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos:
“To end the scourge of domestic violence, we must ensure that survivors and our first responders can identify abuse and take action at the earliest opportunity. This collaboration between the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center and AT&T will help shed sunlight on abusive uses of technology and make our state safer. The State of Rhode Island stands ready to make sure these educational resources reach the people who need to see them.”
Sid Wordell, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association:
“We extend our gratitude to AT&T and the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center for developing this invaluable resource to aid in protecting and empowering survivors. This program will equip law enforcement professionals across the state with the essential tools and knowledge to address the complex intersection of technology and abuse. Our Chiefs are committed to applying these insights to enhance strategies and provide even greater support to victims in our communities.”
Gina Scordino, Director of Advocacy Services at EBCC:
“The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center is committed to evolving alongside the needs of our community, and currently, there is an urgent need for greater awareness around cell phone safety—from stalking and harassment to financial control through cellphone account access. We are thrilled to collaborate with AT&T on this critical initiative to equip victims and the community with the knowledge needed to make cellphones safer for survivors.”
John Emra, President, AT&T Atlantic Region:
“Awareness of the digital landscape and inherent intricacies is crucial to promote safety for domestic violence survivors and strengthen safety planning strategies. We thank the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center and the many experts and advocates who collaborated to create and launch this important statewide effort. Through this initiative we hope to shine a light on potential hazards and empower survivors with information about ways to more securely engage with connected technology.”
Jackie Savage-Borne, Senior Program Manager, Violence Intervention & Prevention Programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital:
“Passageway is dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and safety of individuals experiencing intimate partner abuse. This collaboration underscores our commitment to working alongside stakeholders in the regional domestic violence community to enhance the safety and well-being of our patients. Access to any resource or intervention will be inequitable based on lived identities and experiences. And, in a world where technology permeates so many aspects of our lives, providing survivors of domestic violence with essential tools and information is crucial for their safety and empowerment.”
Hema Sarang-Sieminski, Executive Director of Jane Doe Inc:
“As the Massachusetts coalition against sexual assault and domestic violence, you will hear us say again and again that abuse thrives in isolation. Connection is the antidote – and one key to a survivor’s ability to foster their own resilience and to thrive. Technology should be a tool for connection – to loved ones and services, to work and school – not an instrument of violence. We are grateful to AT&T for so thoughtfully responding to the needs of survivors and advocates through the development of this initiative, and we are proud to support its launch today.”
Read More:
Safety program by Mass General Brigham helps domestic violence survivors protect themselves
Additional resources can be found at:
Brigham & Women’s Hospital: https://www.brighamandwomens.org/
National Network to End Domestic Violence: https://nnedv.org/content/technology-safety/
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
HAVEN: https://www.massgeneral.org/social-service/haven
Jane Doe, Inc.: https://www.janedoe.org/
Buffum Chace: https://www.ebccenter.org/
